For the first time in eight years, NCAA hockey is returning to Canada. 

In what will be known as the “Great Sault Crossing,” Lake Superior State will play a home game directly across the St. Mary’s River at the GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the home of the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds. 

In a formal press conference hosted by Lake Superior State and GFL Memorial Gardens, the two parties announced that, on February 14, Lake Superior will “host” WCHA rival Alabama-Huntsville in Canada, less than four miles across the locks of the St. Mary’s River on Saturday, February 15.

The impetus behind this event is the fact that Canadian Sault native — and NHL legend — Phil Esposito’s grandson, Niko Selivanov-Esposito, will be suiting up for the Lakers.

“Laker hockey is very excited to partner with the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,” said Lakers coach Damon Whitten. “It is great to be involved with an event that can connect the storied hockey history that these cities share.”

BREAKING @HockeyLSSU coach Damon Whitten announces a "home" game in the Canadian Sault, as Lakers will host @uahhockey at the home of Soo Greyhounds in February. pic.twitter.com/QFAaORZRkF

— Tim Rappleye (@teeraps) September 23, 2019

The idea of the Lakers coming 3.5 miles north to the GFL Gardens was hatched a year ago, and the Esposito connection was key. Originally the plan was for Michigan Tech to play in the contest, because Tony Esposito — Phil’s fellow Hall of Fame brother — is a Husky hockey alum. But there was a scheduling conflict, and the UAH Chargers will make the 1500-mile commute in their stead.

According to College Hockey, Inc., the only other time an official NCAA game was played in Canada was January 7, 2012, when North Dakota hosted Clarkson at the MTC Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. North Dakota prevailed that night 3-1 before a reported 7,075 fans. No matter how much buzz is created for the “Great Sault Crossing,” they will not be able to top that attendance mark since the GFL Gardens hockey capacity is listed as 6,497.

Another historic component to this story was the diplomatic repercussions of having an NCAA game in a Canadian Major Junior venue. It’s no secret that the two respective governing bodies, the CHL and the NCAA, are often bitter rivals competing for the best teenage prospects in the world. This may not be a détente, but it represents a softening in that relationship. WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson believes that this is a huge opportunity for college hockey to be experienced in one of the CHL strongholds.

“I look at this as [a chance] to continue to grow the collegiate game in other markets,” Robertson said. “I think it’s a win for everyone involved, in particular Lake Superior State. The franchise that plays in that building will see really good hockey and will open some eyes for a lot of people.”

College Hockey, Inc., the advocacy group that is at the front lines in the battle with the CHL, could barely contain their enthusiasm for the “Great Sault Crossing.”

“It’s exciting any time we can expose new fans to the college game,” said College Hockey Inc. executive director Mike Snee. “We are confident that fans in Canada will embrace the skill and passion on display when Lake Superior State hosts Alabama Huntsville in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.”

In the Monday morning press conference, the notion of a potential Soo Greyhounds-Lake Superior matchup was brought up. LSSU coach Whitten dropped cold water on that fantasy.

“I don’t know if NCAA rule-wise it would be an option,” Whitten said. “I think it’s challenging. We’re a lot older than those guys, a ton of talent there, but a pretty big age gap; they have 16-year olds playing and we have 24-year-olds playing. I think the reality is with the NCAA, it’s not really doable.”

Nevertheless, an NCAA game will be staged in an OHL venue, and that is a landmark event in and of itself.

Author Tim Rappleye just released his latest book: Hobey Baker, Upon Further Review (Mission Point Press). He can be reached on Twitter @TeeRaps.